BlackBerry 10 fails British Government's security tests

BlackBerry 10 has been rejected by the British government as not secure enough government use dealing a blow to BlackBerry in a key market. The Guardian reports the older BlackBerry 7.1, was cleared by the Computer Experts Security Group (CESG) in Britain last December. BlackBerrys were deemed secure enough to use on classifications up to "Restricted" which is two levels below "Secret."

But the Guardian understands that tests on BB10 and the BlackBerry Balance software, intended to separate work and personal accounts and prevent any copying of data between them, have shown that it fails the same security requirements. BlackBerry has confirmed that BB10 has not been passed yet by CESG, but could not offer a date when revised software would be submitted.

BlackBerry will have to update their software and try again if they want to be cleared for government use. The company is aware of the issue, but has not said if and when an update will be available. BlackBerry has historically done very well with governments because of the security built in to the platform. They will need to get this issue resolved quickly as it could hinder further sales of BlackBerry 10.